NAVIGATING THE SEASONS OF REAL ESTATE

As Featured on www.greaternashvillerealtors.org/ & mainstreetmediatn.com

Seasons come up a lot in our lives as literal passages of time—winter, spring, summer, fall—but they also hold symbolic meaning. We talk of seasons as phases of life or life experiences we encounter. Different seasons are associated with varying feelings and invoke a birth and death of sorts as we move from one season to another.

People’s home journeys often revolve around seasons of life. One day you’re renting, and then you purchase your first home, solo or with a partner. Marriages, births, divorces, deaths, investments, and vacation properties. All hugely significant seasons of life that often involve real estate shifts. Realtors meet people in the highest highs and the lowest lows of their seasonal lives.

As realtors, we also approach seasons with a myriad of tools. Advice may vary at different times of the year as we know the market can fluctuate based on the seasons. We have different tactics and different conversations around showings, etc. with clients depending on the time of year. When it comes to personal brands, different strategies are utilized depending on the season of the year or the season of the career.

Real estate seasons come and go no differently than seasons of life or the literal seasons. We experienced an unsustainable market for a couple of years with the lowest interest rates in history, unforeseeable price increases, and a frenetic pace that could only last so long. We have shifted into a more “normal,” manageable pace. But, when paired with higher interest rates, intense shifts in the world, and so much to constantly be focusing on, many feel a level of uncertainty. Find comfort in knowing that realtors evolve, shift, and adapt to meet our clients in whichever season they or the market is in.

So, as we enter fall, and boy did we abruptly enter fall here in Middle Tennessee going from 80° to 30° overnight, take time to reflect on the year. Just as animals forage and prepare for hibernation, we gather insights from the year and prepare for winter and the start of another year. Take some deep breaths. Go enjoy the falling of leaves and the crunch under your feet. Rest. Reconnect with friends, family, clients, and yourself.

Find solace in knowing that whatever season of real estate you’re in, whatever season the market is in, whatever season of life you’re in, it will pass, and we’re constantly met with an opportunity to move forward with a fresh approach.

Courtney Leggett is a Broker with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty. Courtney’s real estate career began in her home state of Vermont in 2014. Maintaining active involvement in her local associations has always been a priority for Courtney who currently serves on two Greater Nashville Realtors® committees.